Every Breath You Take Matters!

Insight

Every Breath You Take Matters!

By Alok Malik

Until a few decades ago, respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) primarily affected the elderly population. However, recent research highlights a troubling trend: an increasing number of young people are now being diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and rhinosinusitis. This rise is particularly pronounced across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in developing countries like India.

As a result, India’s youth – the country much-lauded demographic dividend – are facing a significant challenge. Ill health is leading to lost study hours, decreased productivity, escalating medical bills, and more.

A pre-COVID-19 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study revealed that COPD is the second leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in India. Add to this, while India represents only around 13% of global asthma cases, it accounts for over 42% of asthma-related deaths, highlighting a critical gap in care and prevention.

Triggers for respiratory conditions

Several factors contribute to the rise in respiratory disorders among youth, including exposure to vehicular fumes, chemical toxins in the air, early smoking, living conditions that lack adequate ventilation, nutrient-deficient diet, reduction in physical activities, exposure to viral and bacterial infections, increasing food allergies, anxiety and more. Addressing these triggers are essential for preventing and managing respiratory conditions in young people.

Timely diagnosis, proper medication and lifestyle changes are key to alleviate these issues and preventing long-term health problems. The right awareness-building initiatives, support and care will allow young people to overcome these challenges and thrive despite respiratory issues.

Proactive Measures to Reduce the Burden of Pulmonary Diseases

The Government of India has taken proactive steps by ensuring that states and Union Territories are prepared with essential resources, such as hospital beds, drugs & vaccines, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits and ventilators. Medical practitioners have been instructed to monitor severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases, especially among children and adolescents.

A recent American Thoracic Society workshop outlined a comprehensive blueprint to combat diseases like COPD in India. This 10-point blueprint emphasizes the need for:

- Stronger policy focus – Increased investment in lung function testing and reduced exposure to air pollutants.
- Improved healthcare systems – Enhanced education, training, and access to essential medicines.
- Patient-centered care – Prioritizing pulmonary rehabilitation and support programs.
- Research and innovation – Increased funding for COPD research and leveraging early-career talent.

Empowering the Youth for a Healthier Future

To effectively combat respiratory diseases, today’s youth must actively engage in managing their own health and well-being. I encourage young people to embrace healthier lifestyle choices and advocate for cleaner air. Avoid smoking, minimizing exposure to pollutants, choose nutritious foods, and maintain regular physical activity to strengthen your respiratory system. Embrace technology and innovative tools to monitor your health and stay informed.

By taking these proactive steps and promoting a culture of awareness and action, you can not only protect your own health but also drive positive change in your communities. Your efforts today will pave the way for a healthier tomorrow, empowering you to overcome challenges and thrive.

By implementing these recommendations, India can significantly reduce the burden of pulmonary diseases and enhance the lives of millions of young people.